Mission Aviation Fellowship is delighted to be part of a push led by Advance Cairns for investment in the region’s general aviation sector.
Advance Cairns is an independent advocacy and economic development organisation pushing for growth across the Cairns region. MAF International’s support office in Australia is based in Cairns, with the MAF flight school 65km away in Mareeba.
A key element of the submission by Advance Cairns calls for investment in a flight simulator facility at Cairns Airport suitable for training Cessna Caravan aircraft pilots.
The simulator, currently set to be the first of its kind outside the United States, would train MAF pilots to bring humanitarian assistance to people in isolated communities around the world.
MAF International Chief Operating Officer Norman Baker believes the technology could help make Cairns a significant centre for pilot training and bring big environmental gains.
“A flight simulator of this quality would not only assist our organisation, as we develop pilots to bring humanitarian support for remote communities in Australia and around the world but would also help the Cairns region to become a hub for aviation skills,” Mr Baker said.
“We calculate that a simulator would reduce by two-thirds the time spent burning fuel because of training in the air, which makes it much better for staff, the aircraft and most importantly the environment.”
MAF sees great value in supporting the next generation of pilots wherever they work.
MAF International uses small aircraft to bring help, hope and healing to people in isolated communities in 11 nations across Africa and in the Asia-Pacific. This work is supported by a team based in Cairns, while a maintenance hangar and flight training centre are at Mareeba.
If state investment supports the simulator facility project, estimated to cost about $8 million, Cairns would be able to attract pilots from Australia and overseas as part of their training.
“With regulator approval, we would expect high demand to use this simulator for the training needs of pilots across Australia,” Mr Baker added. “This is relevant because the Cessna Caravan (which can carry up to 14 occupants or 1000kg of freight) is not only a workhorse of remote aviation, it is also a valuable tool for pilots building experience even if they are pursuing an airline career flying larger aircraft.
“We already have good connections within the industry, working with Central Queensland University and Aviation Australia to provide training, and MAF sees great value in supporting the next generation of pilots wherever they work. With Advance Cairns championing investment in a simulator type that currently does not exist outside the USA, we believe this region can lead the way.”